The Italian government has announced an official deadline for international students seeking study visas for the 2026/2027 academic session, urging applicants to complete the process within the stipulated timeframe. According to information published by the Italian Embassy, applications for study visas covering Bachelor's degrees, Master's degrees, First-Level Academic Diplomas, Second-Level Academic Diplomas, and single-cycle degree programmes must be submitted no later than November 30, 2026.
Deadline Applies to Specific Programmes Only
The embassy explained that the deadline applies specifically to students enrolling in degree programmes for the 2026/2027 academic year. However, different rules apply to applicants pursuing other academic programmes. Students applying for Master's programmes, PhD programmes, Erasmus exchanges, Foundation Courses, and single courses are not subject to the November 30 deadline. Their visa applications must be submitted before their academic activities begin.
Pre-Enrolment Via Universitaly Portal Mandatory
According to the embassy, international students must complete their pre-enrolment through the Universitaly portal before applying for a study visa. Only applicants whose pre-enrolment has been validated by their receiving higher education institution and whose admission conditions have been satisfied can proceed with their visa application.
The embassy added that pre-enrolment is mandatory for several programmes, including Bachelor's and Master's degree courses, PhD programmes, Erasmus exchanges, Foundation Courses, university Master's programmes, Italian language and culture courses offered by designated institutions, and programmes offered by Higher Education in Art, Music and Dance (AFAM) institutions.
Italian Citizenship Conditions Also Outlined
Separately, the Italian government has outlined conditions for naturalisation. Foreigners must have lived lawfully in Italy for a minimum of 10 years before applying for citizenship. In addition to residency, three other conditions must be met, though specific details were not provided in the announcement.
